UNIVERSITY SENATE

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8339, 28 January 1913, Page 3

UNIVERSITY SENATE

SUBJECTS FOB DEGREE CANDIDATES. Press Association. AUCKLAND, January 27. At the university Senate tho Bov. Cameron moved tliat candidates tor B.A. degree who do not take mathematics as one of their subjects be required to take mental science. He submitted that his proposal would have beneficial results until the senate arrived at some satisfactory grouping of subjects. Professor Chilton moved as an amendment, “That candidates for B.A. degree be required to take two subjects out. of three of the following groups: (a) Latin or Greek; (b) pure mathematics or mental science; (c) applied mathematics, physical science, botany, zoology, chesmistry, or geology.” Air Hogbon seconded the amendment, and a discussion immediately arose upon the question as to whether or not Latin (or Greek) should he compulsory subjects. It was generally agreed that there should be some science taken by a candidate for a B.A. degree. The feeling was that a candidate should be compelled to take either mathematics or. mental science, but that the question was too big to bo decided off-hand. Both amendment and motion were thrown out, and tho discussion was dropped.

Bev. Cameron moved, “That a can didate for matriculation who has satisfied the examiner in all but one of th., subjects shall not necessarily be required to present those subjects again. If the committee of tho senate so recommends he shall bo allowed to complete his examination by passing in the remaining subject required of him by regulations.” Bov. Cameron said that in bringing this motion he had in mind what was done in Wales. He did not ask that every candidate who had passed in all subjects but one be allowed to sit again in that subject alone to complete matriculation. Such concession would not bo asked for in the case of a candidate who had only scraped through in other subjects. Safeguards that existed would effectively ensure 'that the standard be kept up. The motion was carried after a long discussion by 13 votes to S.

Professor MacMillan Brown moved. (1) That before coming to a decision on any question relating to the definition scope or treatment of any subject in a university examination, or its relationship to other subjects, if beset with difficulties, the senate ascertain the opinion of the members of tho college staffs who teach the subject,' and if the question relates to tho entrance examinations it ascertain the opinion of the heads of the secondary schools; (2) that before coming to a decision on vital questions relating to the constitution or working of the university it ascertain the opinions of the various bodies connected with tho university whose interests are involved in tho result, such as the governing bodies and tho staffs of the colleges and the convocation ; (3) that a committee be appointed to suggest methods of ascertaining the opinions efficiently. Dr. . Fitchctt said the motion would mean delay. He thought they should do something practical in the direction of reconstructing the university. He would not oppose the motion, but he would ask. Professor Brown’s permission to add the following two clauses to the motion: (4) that the committee confer with the governing bodies and teaching staffs of colleges and with the convocation on the expediency of a Bill to reconstitute the university on lines that, while not in any way affecting the corporate entity of the colleges, their autonomy, or finance, will, associate them more directly with the university government; (5) that if a working agreement is arrived at the committee draft such a Bill and submit it to the senate and colleges for consideration.

After further discussion the motion, as amended by the addition of Dr. Fitohett’s suggestions, was submitted to the senate and carried on the voices. On the motion of Mr Hogben it was resolved that in every subject special papers be set for a repeat examination, and that senior scholarships bo awarded on these papers. It was further decided to submit the resolution to the teachers of subjects in the four colleges to suggest definitions for the papers. Ihe following were appointed a committee to consider the results of the entrance examinations:—Professors F. D. Brown. J. B. Brown, J. M. Brown, Chilton, Hogben, and Rev. Cameron.